English Acquisition and Multilingualism

Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or equivalent qualification, in English language, or a degree combining English language and literature (minimum 80 ECTS in English).

Applicants need an average minimum grade of C or better from the bachelor's degree to be admitted to the master's program.

Admission capacity
15 places

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:
Her finner du all informasjon knyttet til søking og opptak.

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries must document English language proficiency.
• You will find more information about international admission here.
• Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees

Program description

The Master covers graduate level studies in acquisition and multilingualism with English as one of the languages involved. The course work provides a solid grounding in how languages are acquired in different contexts (first, second, third, heritage/minority languages), how multilingualism may influence the course of development in a language, and how it affects not only the languages but also the brains that house them.

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Learning outcomes

Graduates of the Master's program gain extensive knowledge of English language acquisition, variation, and attrition, including how languages influence each other and shape English globally. They can critically evaluate literature, identify linguistic structures, apply methodologies, and use theoretical frameworks for analysis. Graduates can conduct small research projects, apply their knowledge to new contexts, and effectively communicate academic content to diverse audiences.

Job prospectives

With increasing migration, experts on multilingualism are constantly becoming more sought after in both public and private work places. The programme provides the candidate with a solid background in language acquisition and multilingualism. Upon completion of the study, candidates are well suited for work in educational institutions, administrative public institutions related to issues of multilingualism, as well as international associations, organisations, and enterprises that deal with multilingual and multicultural issues.

The programme is also an excellent starting-point for further study at the PhD-level, as it provides the candidate with in-depth training in an exceptional research environment which places a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and co-publishing.

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Related professions

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Study plan

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Language of instruction

The language of all teaching and examinations is English.

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Teaching and assessment

The course work consists of a combination of lectures and seminars. The candidate is expected to take an active part in their own learning experience, and acceptance of an offer to study on the programme is to agree to do so. All courses include various compulsory assignments, such as oral presentations, problem-solving tasks, and smaller paper assignments.

The Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism is a demanding programme that requires the student to work throughout the term. The students are expected to spend 40 hours per week on their studies, including preparation for lectures and seminars, work on term papers and other assignments.

Most courses contain assignments that must be approved in order to take the exam. These may include researched or reflective writing assignments, problem solving tasks, or oral presentations.

The most common forms of examination are home exams written on assigned topics over a one-two week period or term papers on topics that students choose in cooperation with course instructor.

For further information about work requirements, exam format and evaluative criteria, see the individual course descriptions on the UiT website.

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